Utah Lake

Utah Lake: Overview

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Utah Lake spans 24 miles in length, 13 miles in width and reaches depths of no more than 12 feet. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River.

Utah Lake spans 24 miles in length and
13 miles in width. For generations the lake has been a gathering
place, a treasured source of food and resources, and millions
of plants and animals have made their home on, near or in
Utah Lake.

Utah Lake literally fostered the growth
of civilization in Utah. However, since humans first discovered
the riches of Utah Lake, the lake has changed. The lake,
its native fish population and its ecosystem are in harm’s
way. Today, Utah Lake’s water is classified as impaired
for total dissolved solids and has high levels of phosphorus.
The lake’s ecosystem, which supported so many species
of fish long ago, is now overrun with carp, and is barely
able to provide to its two remaining native fish species,
the June sucker and the Utah sucker.

For all the demands we place on this
gift of nature, it deserves all the respect and care we
can give it in return.